Where does it all come from? One moment it’s not there, the next it is. No one really ever lays claim to it, even fewer ever step up and do anything about it. Yet, its very presence says something about each community in North Kitsap. Are we incorrigible slobs, or do we care about a basic quality of life that many seem to overlook? Cleanliness.

Trash is still a problem in North Kitsap.

It’s an oddity, too.

Who, after all, has so little pride in the area as to toss garbage out of the window of a moving vehicle, not properly secure a load on their way to the dump, or simply discard refuse while taking a stroll? Strangely enough, hundreds of us.

That’s right, “us.”

While we can try to push the burden onto outsiders, chances are, much of the garbage is “locally grown.” It’s a shame because this is a beautiful region by any standard.

And while volunteers find pride in picking up after those who have none, this really shouldn’t be necessary. Suquamish tackled its trash last weekend and Kingston is gearing up for its annual cleanup Saturday. Both are admirable causes and both accomplish their noteworthy goals.

But neither would be needed to the degree that they are if more people who call North Kitsap home didn’t treat their neighborhoods and roadways like a movie theater, discarding their junk knowing that “it’s not their job to pick it up” and “someone else will take care of it.”

That’s really too bad because as many residents live here for the scenic beauty and breathtaking views, there is still a segment of our society that just doesn’t give a damn. Yet, full knowing that they will rarely — if ever — be caught in the act, they continue to trash the area we all call home.

A candy wrapper here. A plastic soda bottle and a styrofoam box there. What’s the difference?

It’s someone else’s problem.